After reading other blogs about Alex, I have learned that the song responsible for his downfall, “Trouble“, was not his first choice. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Alex said, “I had another song in mind: “Let Me Love You” by Mario. It’s an R&B song, but I was going to change it up and make it my own. But it was a song a lot of people didn’t know so I went with my second choice because one of the producers was telling me, “If you do this song, you’ll get more votes.” But obviously I didn’t get enough. I wish I would’ve done the other song. I wish I didn’t listen to the producer. But I still feel like, vocally, the song I sang, I didn’t think it was bad enough for me to go home, but it is what it is.”

I think the song “Trouble” was a perfect fit for Alex’s voice, and the adult demographic would say it was a brilliant interpretation. However, what voting 14 year old would know who Ray LaMontagne is or be familiar with any of his music? “Let Me Love You” would have been a hit with viewers, because it is current and the younger crowd is very familiar with Mario and his contemporary genre.

Alex was interviewed on the Ellen DeGeneres show and sang his version of “Let Me Love You.” The response from the younger generation was tremendous. I have to believe that Alex Lambert would still be a contender for the top three if he would have stuck with his initial choice of songs.

Lambert fans have definitely taken action on behalf of their beloved Alex. A “Bring Alex Lambert Back” petition has been circulating on the internet which has almost 18,000 signatures demanding that Alex be reinstated on the show. With the season’s lowered ratings and the lack of talent in over half of the remaining contestants, could the Idol producers possibly realize the error of their ways? I can’t help but wonder, will American Idol producers listen to the almost 18,000 fans and bring Lambert back? Let’s hope so!

Watch Alex Lambert’s interview with Ellen DeGeneres and his rendition of “Let Me Love You” by Mario.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIY3125nLWc

Alex wrote a song for Ellen DeGeneres, listen to it here.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUquMg2-EAQ

Singing Out!

There aren’t many places to go for fun in this tiny little town of Blairsville.  But, if someone is desperate for some fun, there is a little restaurant/bar in Hiawassee called the Yacht Club. Tuesday night is karaoke night. So, last night, My Mother, brother, my daughter Haley, Dad, Charles and Erika Rich and I went to check things out.

The place was packed and loud with singing and laughter. Everyone seemed to be having a great time. We found the only table left and quickly sat down. We ordered a couple drinks and a huge plate of onion rings. As we sat back and listened, we heard everything from Charlie Daniels to Neil Diamond. Ability did not stop anyone from jumping up to the mic to sing their song. I give them credit for having the guts to get up there and sing. And you know what? It’s all about having fun…who cares how good you sing? But, was I, Tracy Matlack, going to have what it takes to sing out in front of a crowd?

Mom, Ray, Haley and I got caught up in the excitement and quickly wrote down a song we wanted to sing and gave it to the DJ. We went off in the corner and practiced a few times until we felt comfortable with it. The longer we sat, waiting to be called up, the more nervous we got and Mom just about chickened out!  He finally called our names and we got up in front of about 35 people and sang our rendition of I’ll Fly Away. We even had three part harmony going in some places.

It was a lot of fun and we went back to our seats with smiles on our faces. We faced our fears and lived through a new experience.  Like I said earlier, I am excited about trying new things and living new adventures. This is one I think I will be doing again soon!